Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Kugelhopf is a German, Austrian, Swiss and Alsatian term for coffee cake with yeast. Kugel means "ball" or "globe", but this cake usually has a hole in it. More doughnut-like, if you ask me.

I made this type of cake earlier this year, but it was called Tarte au sucre. I had nothing but trouble with this cake then, but Dorie's version came together easily. Having the right recipe and set of instructions is all you need.

Yeast breads and coffee cakes evolved from early honey cakes. According to Food Timeline, around the 17th century in Northern/Central Europe, eating sweet cakes with coffee became more common. There is even an Alsatian legend that the magi left the Kugelhopf in Alsace on their way to Bethlehem. To celebrate this legend, Ribeauvillé, a town in Alsace, holds a Kugelhopf fête in June when giant Kugelhopf cakes are paraded through the streets.

Tasting NotesThis is a great breakfast or afternoon treat since it's not too sweet and lingers more on the bread side than the cake side. And although it's not hard to make, it does require some babysitting (and it's best to have a stand mixer to knead the butter into the dough). According to this New York Times article, you can even make a savory version with smoky bacon and crunchy walnuts. I think I'll give that a try next time I make this.

Recipe for Next Week (November 18)Arborio Rice Pudding on pages 412 and 413 chosen by Isabelle from Les gourmandises d’Isa.

My Bucket ListI've been wanting to start this list for some time now, and today seems like a good day to start it. Based on my reading about Kugelhopf, I'm adding the following things to my list of things I'd like to do in life:

Oh, they look great out of those little pans. Very pretty. I never thought about a savory version...but I can see where that would be good...maybe on your camping trip to eat toasted up with eggs in the morning, what do you think? I'm thinking it sounds pretty good. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration as always!

The mini versions are a great idea. I'm thinking about getting another one started for "leftover" French toast.

I have not had Kugelhopf in Alsace, but I've had "Gugelhufp" in Germany and Austria (as well as my Grandmother's kitchen here in the States!). Also had the pleasure of eating Bábovka in the Czech Republic (the Czechs fill the cake with cocoa).

Your mini kugelhopfs are veritable works of art!I ate this delicious bread weekly in Alsace ( Strasbourg). Have you been to Ribeauville yet? It is my favorite french village, medieval, beautiful vistas and food and wine! My goal is to get back there in 2014 or sooner.